A popular Northern Quarter restaurant has shut down suddenly due to financial problems.
Cocktail, Beer, Ramen + Bun on Oldham Street in Manchester has fallen victim to the cost-of-living crisis, blaming the “sky rocketing” cost of goods and soaring energy bills for its closure.
CBRB first opened in 2018 and quickly gained a loyal following who enjoyed its hearty ramen dishes alongside its signature alcoholic beverages.
Owners made an emotional announcement on its Instagram page. It said: “We want to be as honest with you as possible. After all, it’s you lot that make this place what it is and it’s you who have kept us going as long as we have. CBRB wouldn’t be where it is today without your amazing love + support over the last 4 years…
“The business has been under massive financial strain, that we have unfortunately been unable to pull ourselves out of. The obstacles that have been affecting everyone in the hospitality industry right now. The cost of goods sky rocketing. Energy bills more than doubling. They’re all massive factors and they’ve all made it extremely difficult to continue doing what we love, without compromising on quality.
“It breaks our heart to have to make this decision and please know, it has not come lightly or without months of deliberation, meetings and rescue plans. Countless discussions about a way out of the shit that wouldn’t end up coming to this.”
Customers expressed their disappointment at the news of the restaurant’s closure.
Aisha Patel told MM: “Even though the menu is small, the flavours are big. I have eaten a lot of ramen in my time, but this place is special. I have never once been disappointed.
“I am devastated it’s closing because CBRB is always my first choice for a food date. It’s a cute venue, a great vibe and the staff are just good people. It will 100% be a loss to the Manchester food scene.”
Similarly, Laura Hatton said: “I love CBRB because it’s so consistently good. It’s always the safest place to recommend in Manchester. They chose four things and really excelled in all of them.
“I’m genuinely gutted, it was somewhere I went with friends, my partner and family. There was always something for everyone. It’s a huge loss to the city’s food scene.”
The restaurant added: “If we can leave anything behind it’s this. Go and support your local independent bar! Eat out at your favourite family owned restaurants. Order that takeaway from your local small business. Because we can guarantee they’ll need it. So many amazing ideas and talented businesses in our industry are struggling and closing almost every day now and they need your help.”
Photo taken by Laura Hatton.
